Norman Thomas Craver

Norman Thomas Craver, 86, of East Petersburg, Pa., passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born in Shavertown, Pa., to his late parents, Hasco W. and Margaret (Thomas) Craver. He married his beloved wife, Judy M. (Young) Craver, on June 19, 1965, celebrating 59 years of marriage this past year.

Tom was a 1956 graduate of Forty Fort High School. He then attended Millersville State Teachers College and graduated with a teaching degree. While there, he played football and wrestled for the Marauders. For 36 years, he taught elementary school in the Eastern Lancaster County School District. Early in his teaching career, he coached wrestling at the junior high level and football at the youth level. In fact, he helped start the youth football program in New Holland, becoming the very first head coach of all three levels of the program.

Tom found the most joy spending time with his family. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly, supporting them through his attendance at nearly every sporting event and extracurricular activity. In his spare time, Tom loved to read, especially about military and general history. He enjoyed playing (occasionally acceptable) golf with his son and a tight-knit group of friends, periodic board games and pinochle, and summer trips to the Jersey Shore with his family. He loved watching movies, the Philadelphia Eagles, and Penn State football.

Tom enjoyed a long and satisfying retirement after retiring in 1996. During this time, Tom and Judy were able to spend time traveling, volunteering for Meals On Wheels, and enjoying the company of loved ones and close friends. He loved telling jokes (the majority silly, but the occasional good one) with family and friends. And he loved his black labs, doting on four of them in the last forty-plus years. His devotion, love, and soft-heartedness towards them caused many a veterinarian concern over their excessive weight gains!

In addition to Judy, Tom is survived by his children: Norman Thomas Craver Jr., Reading, Pa.; Alexia Sahaida, wife of Tom, Reading, Pa.; Hoyt Craver, husband of Melanie, Lititz, Pa.; and Amy Usner, wife of Matthew, Corvallis, Ore.; grandchildren: Jack Sahaida, Rhys Craver, Amelia Sahaida, Karys Craver and Andie Usner; sister, Mary Ellen Brimmer, Lancaster, Pa.; and nephew, Marc Craver, New Holland.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his brothers, Bill Craver and Rhys Craver.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday in Trinity Lutheran Church, 221 E. Main St., New Holland, Pa., with the Rev. Dr. Charles H. Oberkehr officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the church. A private family inurnment will occur in the adjoining church cemetery at a later date.

The family is requesting memorial contributions be made to: Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601; https://bit.ly/40J34VP.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Groff-High Funeral Home Inc., New Holland, Pa.